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Order and Collect Service - FAQ's

How does order and collect work?

  1. Log in and visit our on-line catalogue, here you can log into your account and place a hold or click on the Order and Collect logo and complete the order form.
  2. If you prefer you can contact us on one of these numbers to make your selection.

Aberdare: 01685 880050

Pontypridd: 01443 562211

Treorchy: 01443 733204

Mountain Ash Library (Canolfan Pennar)- 01443 570016

Porth Library - 01443 562227

Rhydyfelin Library - 01443 570009

Hirwaun Library - 01685 811144

Ferndale Library -01443 570021

Pontyclun Library -01443 237843

Church Village Library -01443 570088

Abercynon Library- 01443 741926

Llantrisant Library -01443 237842

Tonypandy Library - 01443 432251

  1. We will call you to let you know that your books are ready and arrange a collection date and time with you.
  2. To return your books place them in the returns tub which will be situated outside of Aberdare, Pontypridd (Llys Cadwyn) and Treorchy libraries. This can be done at any time during opening hours or when you pick up your next collection.
  3. Please note that Order and Collect is only available via this process. Please don’t visit the library unless our staff contact you to collect an item or you wish to use the returns tub. – You will not be allowed to enter the library unless you have an appointment.

Is this safe?

The Order and Collect programme complies with current health and safety directives . 

How do I check books out?

Your books will have already been checked out to your account and will be ready for collection. We ask that you bring your own bag although we will be able to provide a reusable bag on request.

Where do I collect my books?

When we contact you to let you know your books are ready for collection you will be given a designated date and time of pick up. Simply arrive at the entrance of the library you have chosen as your pick-up library at the time and date given and a staff member will guide you through the process.

How long do I have the books for?

Books will be issued for the normal three week loan period.

Can I renew items?

Items can be renewed as normal via the library services website or via telephone (to Aberdare, Pontypridd or Treorchy libraries). Customers are reminded that you will not be able to renew any items that are subject to another reader’s request.

Can I request a specific book?

Yes, this service will continue as normal. Requests for items from closed libraries or for books not currently in stock will take longer than normal to become available due to the need to quarantine books prior to issuing them. We ask that you are patient with us during this time.

Is there a limit to the number of books I can borrow?

Yes, during this time we will be restricting library customers to five items per issue. We will return to the full loan limit of ten items as soon as possible.

Can I just return my books?

Yes, large ‘Return Tubs’ will be provided outside our open libraries. You may put any returned items into these bins. You will not be able to enter the library at this time unless you have an appointment and we ask that you do not remove any items from the Return Tub.

Will all libraries be offering this service?

Initially the Order & Collect service will only be available at Aberdare, Pontypridd and Treorchy libraries. It is hoped that in time more libraries will be added to this service.

What if I have outstanding fees?

No fees and charges will have accrued on customer accounts for the period of time libraries have been closed or from the 1st March 2020. Any fees or charges accrued before this time will be implemented once normal service is resumed.

Can more than one member of my family book slots?

Slots are bookable by individual library members therefore each member within a household can book a collection slot. When you come to the library to collect items we ask that as few people come at the same time as possible, ideally only one person will enter the library at a time but we understand that personal circumstances may mean that you may need to be accompanied by one or more other family members.

Can I use any of the other facilities the library offers?

No, not at this time. As restrictions ease we hope to gradually re-introduce other services. A limited email and telephone reference and local history service will be available:

  • Email: Library.Reference@rctcbc.gov.uk
  • Tel:  01443 778956

Will I need to queue?

Customers will be given a specific time to collect items but you may need to queue for a short while outside the library if you arrive early. We ask that you observe social distancing rules and respect the library staff who may need to ask you to take your place in any queue.

What do I do if I miss my collection time?

If you miss your collection time library staff will not be able to serve you, a new collection time will need to be booked. In order to observe social distancing and to keep staff and library members safe we will need to keep to the pre-planned schedule. If you have missed your slot please speak to a member of staff on duty, whilst observing social distancing, who will be able to advise you.

Will I be able to pick up recycling bags?

Recycling bags will be available outside Aberdare, Pontypridd and Treorchy libraries during opening hours. You will be limited to two packs of each individual bag type and you must observe social distancing whilst collecting these bags. Please note the library service does not control the supply of these items and they will only be available whilst stocks last.

The Library service and staff appreciate your co-operation and understanding during this very difficult time, we look forward to seeing you and hope to be able to restore library services to all of our users as government restrictions are lifted.